Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again Book 2) by M Comley (best books under 200 pages txt) 📕

year of her death, maybe I could answer that for you.”

“It’s fine. We’ll look it up when we get back, don’t worry.”

“They had two girls I seem to recall, maybe you could ask them.”

“I intend to, we’ve met both of them.”

“How are they coping with the loss of their father? Can I ask how he died? I always figured he was the type to live forever, if you get my meaning?”

“I think so. His daughter found him after a suspected burglary.”

“Oh my, that’s terrible. She must have been traumatised?”

“She wasn’t in good spirits, let’s say that. Did you ever have children, Laila?”

“No, which I see as a blessing in disguise, considering how our marriage ended.”

“During your marriage, did any situation arise that may have been a cause of concern for Robin?”

“I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

“Did he possibly fall out with anyone who might have threatened him?”

“No, nothing like that. My husband was a lover not a fighter. Good grief, did I really say that out loud?”

Katy smiled and nodded. “It’s okay, I appreciate the position you’re in. You still loved him right up until the end, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” Tears emerged and trickled onto her cheeks. “You don’t spend most of your adult life with someone and stop loving them just because they suddenly announced they’re gay. It’s not that I’m bitter, far from it. If anything, I feel ashamed, guilty even that I was unable to read the signs when they were clearly evident throughout our marriage. I took his gentle nature at face value when all along he had an affinity to me. Does that make sense? It does in my head.”

“I think so. Please, try not to get upset. Life gets in the way for all of us at times. You’re definitely not the first woman this has ever happened to, and I doubt you’ll be the last either. I wouldn’t take it personally. Maybe set it aside as one of life’s more dubious lessons and attempt to get over it. You’re far too young to spend it on your own.”

“I know. I keep telling myself that, but the reality is, I know deep down I’ll never be able to trust another man, not intimately. He’s left me with very little self-worth. I gave him everything, opened myself up to him, and that’s how he repaid me. By using me as a cover for his warped sexuality. God, I swore I’d never get this worked up over him again, and now, he’s gone, leaving me with so many unanswered questions which I hoped, over time, he might have had the courage to answer.”

Warped sexuality? “Have you sought counselling?”

“No. I’m fine. Who am I kidding? I’m a survivor. I’ll get through this. In fact, I was coping remarkably well until you showed up on my doorstep.”

Katy shook her head. “I’m sorry. Bad timing, but an essential visit nonetheless. Is there anything else about Robin’s relationship with the other men that you can think of?”

“No. Please, you’re going to have to leave this with me. The news of Robin’s death isn’t allowing me to think straight.”

“Okay. Would it be all right if I left you my card?”

“Of course, please do. I’ll do my very best to try and revisit the memories I’ve locked away and come up with some answers for you.”

“We appreciate your help under these trying circumstances, Laila. We’ll let you get on with your day.” Katy glanced down at the photos spread over the floor.

Laila sighed. “I suppose I’d better hang on to a few of these now. I’ll show you out. Sorry I couldn’t be much help.”

“Nonsense, just give us a call if your mind unleashes anything worthwhile.”

“I will. I promise.”

10

The man was the last to leave. He locked up the front doors to the supermarket and raced around the side of the building to the car park at the rear to collect his car. Suddenly, he found himself bathed in the glare of full-beam headlights, his chance to react lost when someone ran at him and knocked him to the ground.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Another whack to the head with the metal bar, and he almost lost consciousness, hovering on the brink. He froze and looked up at his assailant. His mouth hung open for a few seconds, and then he whispered, “It’s you? But…”

“How?” his attacker finished off for him.

“Yes, how?”

The blows came then, heavier with each one until the assailant’s arms grew tired and he lay unconscious on the tarmac.

“Damn, it was too quick. I despise you. For what you did back then, you’re despicable beyond words.”

Walking back to the car, the attacker refused to glance at Ellis Bird. The engine was already running. Foot on the accelerator, the car drew away, not bothering to go around the obstruction. Instead, the car rocked from side to side as the wheels connected with the man’s body.

Even if he wasn’t dead before, his breath will have left his body now.

Screeching out of the car park and into the flow of traffic, it was a long time before the killer let out the stale breath burning their lungs.

“I did it. Another one down. The list is getting shorter.”

The final blow would be dealt tomorrow, if everything went according to plan in the meantime.

No remorse…never feel remorse, not when the repayment is so sweet.

11

Katy didn’t make it home at a reasonable hour even that night, work and the clues they were chasing saw to that.

Damn this killer, they’re definitely keeping me on my bloody toes.

Patti greeted her with as much enthusiasm as she felt for attending a murder scene at eleven o’clock at night. “Hi, did you make it home?”

“Nope, did you?” Katy asked.

“I wish. I was finishing up a PM when I got the call about this one. Tell me you’re getting closer to picking this bastard up. I’m not sure how long I can last without seeing my comfy bed.”

“Why don’t you delegate? You work too